New Hampshire Elopement in the White Mountains of Jackson, NH

First wedding of the year and my first time photographing in spring up in the wild White Mountains of Jackson New Hampshire and North Conway. Wendy + David traveled from the midwest to the mountains for their Jackson NH elopement and they did it in complete secret. So as I’ve done before, it was just me witnessing the pure excitement of two people saying I Do.

The two of them have been together for many years but they’ve never openly talked about marriage/weddings/eloping and instead just decided to keep their plans between the two of them. With weddings frequently bringing a myriad of things to worry about, they decided their personalities were better suited to finding a place they both love and to take a road trip to start a new adventure together.

The three of us have been quietly messaging about their day for a few months – discussing where we’d wander for photos, what time would work best, and secretly feeling each other out to see if the other side was willing to be as daring as the other when it came to the potential of rain or perhaps a little snow. Thankfully, all three of us were on the same page and when I brought up that no matter what the weather brings (which, let’s be honest, is completely up in the air when you’re planning an April elopement at about 760 feet above sea level!) and told them that instead of worrying about what the weather is doing to instead use it to their full advantage, Wendy practically sighed with relief because they too were ready to head out in whatever the weather delivered.

Match made in heaven!

So while they secretly hoped for at least a little snow, we ironed out the details of the spots we’d run around to and we counted down the days until it was go time. When the morning arrived the weather had overcast plans with a little snow, a little rain, a lot of wind, and peeks of sun – and we were ready for it all.

The two of them have never had a professional photo taken of them so they booked me for four hours so we could fill up those walls and albums with some images of their love for one another in this place they dream about living.

I love it when couples not only make a day that really suits their desires, but that they also put photos high up on the list of priorities. It’s awesome to have a chunk of time together so we not only get to head to a few different spots for photos, but it also gives them the space to enjoy our time because they’ll settle into that flow after the first 15 minutes or so, and it provides me with the creative headspace to slow down, look for the best views and get to know what makes them click so I can capitalize on the moments as much as possible.

So even though it was just us for four hours, the time absolutely flew and with their amazing road trip mix serenading us to each place we traveled to, it made it even more enjoyable.

At one point I remarked something about David being cool and he exclaimed, “I’m not cool!” and I said who but incredibly cool people make a mix with The Ramones, Desmond Dekker, and the Andrew Sisters? And then I marveled at the fact that he even knew some metal bands I brought up – seriously, they are some cool people for sure. Stop shaking your heads, Wendy + David – you ARE.

David has a recording studio back out west and he talked about the Jazz musicians that come through his doors and we discussed some of the concerts we’ve all seen, how Oscar has worked in the music industry for over 15 years, and how David has traveled with artists to record in natural environments where the musician would play off the sounds of the construction or the roll of a skateboard going up a ramp.

And the whole time we were all together, the two of them were just absolutely in love and loving to one another.

When the chill would thunder in around them, he’d hug her tighter. When I’d photograph just him, she’d watch adoringly. And when the wind would kick into high gear, they’d fall deeper into each other’s arms with laughter because I’d comment on how it looked like a hair commercial up in the mountains.

I LOVE WIND IN HAIR SO VERY MUCH so with these two people and their long locks and the wind whipping around us, it was a dream. Even though we were chilly and sometimes getting a boot full of snow, we had a wonderful time.

And Wendy – who said she is very uncomfortable around a camera – was INCREDIBLE! She claims she used to freeze up whenever a camera would come into view, but I only experienced a couple moments of that shyness at the start of our time together and then she quickly opened up, played around, and was stunning every time the camera clicked.

And her dress! I loved the uniqueness of it and the deep purple with the soft material that had just a subtle train that would blow around her when the stormy weather rolled in. Loved it.

So after we traveled to a few spots they had in mind, and one that I’d remembered that was close by and gave us incredible views of the mountains in a wide open field, we returned safely back to the Inn where they’d said their vows to one another in the snow along the river and said our goodbyes.

Wendy + David, I hope your day was everything you were hoping for and I’m so thankful I not only got to photograph it all, but that I got to meet and hang out with you two. I wish you all the best and I hope to see you in the White Mountains again soon!

Inn at Ellis River Jackson NH Elopement Photographer: I AM SARAH V Photography
Ceremony: Inn at Ellis River in Jackson, New Hampshire
Officiant: Mike Cherim

Maine & New Hampshire wedding photographer, I AM SARAH V Photography, photographs events for wildly in love couples seeking an NH & Maine wedding photographer with a photojournalism & cinematic approach. You can see more of my work online at www.iamsarahv.com or on Instagram. I photograph many locations including being a Jackson NH elopement photographer in Jackson New Hampshire and I would enjoy photographing your day too! If you’d like to contact me directly, please email me at hello@iamsarahv.com